East Kootenay Community Credit Union announces Sparwood branch grand opening

As a thank-you to the community for welcoming the East Kootenay Community Credit Union’s (EKC) newest branch to Sparwood, EKC is pleased to invite everyone to join them on March 28th from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for a family, fun-filled grand opening. In addition to mingling and tours of the new branch located at 124 Aspen Drive, EKC will be providing refreshments, over $1,200 in door prizes and announcing the much-anticipated recipient of the first-ever Nominate Your Neighbour campaign.

According to EKC board director and Sparwood resident, Barbara Nunes, “Through the Nominate Your Neighbour campaign, the community voted for their choice of Sparwood volunteer and the recipient of this special award will receive $3,000 for a charity of their choice. I can tell you that this has been quite a difficult process because Sparwood is truly a community of caring neighbours!”

Branch manager for Sparwood and Fernie, Eric Johnstone said, “The Sparwood branch is a long-awaited addition to East Kootenay Community Credit Union. We have a significant number of members here in Sparwood, so for these valued residents and businesses and our future new members, (they) no longer need to travel to neighbouring Elk Valley communities to access our services, they can access our new branch right here in our Sparwood community.”

The branch is located on the site of the old RCMP building next to the post office in Sparwood. The branch is a full-service financial institution with small business banking, financial planning and in the near future an insurance agency. The building is 3,200 square feet with a second floor lease space.

The new branch’s design has been created to provide a comfortable atmosphere both inside and outside with members and the community in mind. The new branch location will soon include further developments including a children’s park, bike racks, paths, trees and a courtyard.

According to Earl Hoath and Terri Sharpe, owners of Steeples Construction Ltd., the general contractor chosen to be part of the new branch’s construction team, “We are so pleased that we have had the opportunity to help bring the vision of this new branch to life in Sparwood. The building is a beautiful design and we are excited for everyone to see. We’re so proud (of) the end result, including how the structure and the outdoor layout will enable walk-ability and community connections.”

EKC now provides all three communities in the Elk Valley with full-service banking services and have directors representing each community on EKC’s local nine-person board of directors.

“The new Sparwood branch is another big stride forward in being even more local and in reaching our goal to be a strong community-focused financial and banking co-operative in the Elk Valley. We want to meet local needs with local solutions,” said Jody Burk, CEO of East Kootenay Community Credit Union. “Sparwood’s strong economy and proud mining history together with the incredible sense of community and caring shown by the involvement and excitement generated by the Nominate Your Neighbor and our Community Award initiatives, makes this a place we feel a real belonging too, and are proud to be part of.”

For more information about the grand opening of the Sparwood branch of the East Kootenay Community Credit Union, please contact Tracey Brook-Baker 250-910-9222.